There are many aids available for computers. These devices can make it easier
for computer users to use word processing programs, surf the Internet, and send email,
but they can also help non-computer users handle many non-computer tasks. For instance, one
can scan into the computer a magazine article that the computer then will read aloud.
Although we're talking about computers here, we
should also mention that mobile devices such as "smart"
phones and tablets can use an increasing number of
"apps" that make life easier for the visually
impaired.

You can use a hand magnifier or special screen magnifier to
make the computer screen look larger, or you can use a screen
magnification program like
Zoom Text,
SuperNova Magnifier,
or MAGic. They
enlarge the text and images on the monitor. Versions of
Microsoft Windows from Windows 2000 onward include a built-in
simple screen magnifier. If you get a Microsoft
brand mouse, you can use the bundled software to
configure a mouse button to easily turn the magnification
on or off. Some models of Microsoft Mouse have
an extra button intended specifically for this.

Tip:
Many computer programs, such as web browsers, now have
a "zoom" feature to let you magnify their output.
Hold down the Ctrl (for Windows) or Cmd (for Mac OS)
key and press plus (+) to "zoom in" or minus (-) to
"zoom out."

Screen reader programs
are designed to allow even totally blind people to use the
computer. They convert the text and icons to
speech so one can use a computer without needing to
see the monitor. Microsoft Windows 2000 and later
versions include a simple built-in screen reader called
Narrator.
Narrator can help you find out what a
screen reader is like, but since it works only with certain
Microsoft applications, you may find you need a more
complete screen reader program such as
NVDA,
JAWS,
Window-Eyes,
or SuperNova
to do all you want.
Apple computers and portable devices include a built-in
complete screen reader called
VoiceOver.

If you can see well enough to navigate the screen but sometimes
find reading text to be tedious, a simple
text-to-speech program such as
Speakonia,
Panopreter, or
Natural Reader
can make using the computer easier.
Such programs are much simpler and easier to learn
than a full screen reader. With
these programs, you select the text, and the program then
reads it to you. There are also web-based
text-to-speech services such as
ReadSpeaker
TextAid in which the software resides on
an Internet server instead of on your computer.

In addition, there are special keyboards, monitor magnifiers, speech to text programs
and other aids that make computers more "low vision" friendly.

Making a computer easier to use for someone with low vision doesn't even have to cost
anything. Many software programs, including Windows and Microsoft Office, allow text
and icons to be enlarged and to use high contrast color schemes. Bump dots
or small bits of Velcro can be
placed on the control, alt, and delete keys to help find them as well as on the "f"
and "j" keys to help one place one's hands properly for keyboarding.

Tip
for Microsoft Windows users: holding down the left
"Alt" key and the left "Shift" key while you push
the Print Screen (PrtScr) key will switch between
normal and high contrast display modes.

We have some of these aids on the computer in the demonstration
area here at the Low Vision Center. Please call us at
301-951-4444 to find out what we currently have available and to
make an appointment to try them yourself.